All three firms are regular advisers to the two companies. Osborne Clarke acted for Carphone Warehouse on the December 2005 acquisition of Centrica’s OneTel business, while DLA Piper partner James Kerrigan has previously represented the company on a number of transactions.

Meanwhile, Herbert Smith has advised Time Warner and AOL since the two companies merged in 2000.

The deal sees Carphone Warehouse become the UK’s third biggest internet provider, with AOL bringing 2.1m customers. AOL will continue to provide advertising and portal services through a revenue-sharing agreement.

Carphone Warehouse is paying cash for the business, funded via an extension of existing debt facilities. European competition authority clearance is being sought and the deal is expected to be approved by the end of December 2006.